The French have been for the moment baffled in Dahomey.
General Dodds, who throughout has displayed both skill and daring, is no doubt in possession of Abomey, which was entered on November 17th; but the King, his remaining troops, and the population had fled beforehand, and had, according to a probable but unconfirmed telegram from Porto Novo, burnt all the principal buildings. The French, there- fore, though victorious, are perplexed what to do next. They do not wish to retain Abomey, yet if they retire it will be reoccupied, while in either case Behanzin may retain authority enough to wage a long partisan war. There is no one with whom to make a treaty, and there appear to be difficulties in the way of setting up a new dynasty. The Government at home has no policy, awaiting General Dodds' suggestions, but it is not clear as yet that he has one either. He will probably set up some puppet ; but if he does, the French must either defend him or see all the fruits of their success slip gradually out of their hands. Their standing difficulties, that they have no sufficient Colonial force, and cannot order conscripts to dangerous climates, are only increased by their conquest. The English solution—to equip, discipline, and pay a force of Dahomeyans—would probably succeed under French officers ; but would the Chamber vote the money ?
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